Ornamental fluorescent stand lamp



2 sheets-sheet 1 .I uly 14, 1953 M. c. THoRsTENsEN ORNAMENTAL FLUORESCENT STAND LAMP filed April 29, 1947 July 14, 1953 M. c. 'rHoRs'rENsEN ORNAMENTAL FLUORSCENT STAND LAMP 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 29, 1947 DARKER -ZONE Patented July 14, 1953 i UNITED STATES PATENT foFFIcE' N l This invention relates to improvements in ornamental illumination and is more particularly concerned with the attainment of novel color efvfects in lighting llxtures. I

An` important object of the present invention `isito provide for the attainment `ofnovelzcolor elfects through a unique utilization of reflected light. i I Another object of the invention is to attain varying color tones in a decorative lighting xture having but a single illumination source.

Still another object ofthe invention-is to provide a new and improved lighting xture with which highly attractive ornamental color `eiects are obtained.` i It is also an object of the invention to provide improved structures in electrical lighting fixtures. A further object of the invention is to provide novel lamp shade or reflector structure forthe attainment of Vnovel ornamental illumination effects. i i

` Yet another object of the invention resides in the provision of a novelmethod of utilizing reilected light for ornamental illumination.

Other objects, features and advantages' ofthe present invention will be readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description of` certain embodiments thereof taken in .connectonwith the accompanying two sheets of drawings, 1in' which: Figure 1 is an elevationalview ofan exemplary lighting ilxture embodying features of "the invention; s f l Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional `vievv taken substantially on the line II-'II of Figure f1; 1 Figure 3 is ahorizontal sectional view taken substantiallyontheline III-"III of Figure 2;` i

Figure 4 is aihorizontal sectional viewftaken substantially on the line `IV-IV of vFigure 2;

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectionaldetail view taken substantially on the line-V-V of -Figure 2; y Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view `of a portion of the lamp. shade structure of Figures 1 and 2, Vschematically explanatory Vof the manner in which certain novel ornamental lighting effects are attained;V

Figure '7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view nthrough a modified form of reflector structure;

Figurel 8 is a top plan view of a furthermodiflcation in the reflector structure; and Figure 9 is a side elevational View ofthe fre- :tlector structure shown in Figure 8.

' According to the present invention, highly ornamental effects are attained by* shieldingla source of illumination from normal line ofvision 1 claim. kol. 24o-51.11)

and reflecting light from said source onto visible surfaces or`surface zareas affording certain predeterminedtvisual effect under the reflected illumination; Several variants of the method afford different visual effects.

SBy directing White'light against a colored surfacel andreilecting the illuminated color of such surface Vagainst a"white :reflecting surface contoured to=receive the reflected colored illumination in'zones of'ivarying intensity, strikingly attractive color values,'.tones and shades are attained. ,l A Variegated'color effects :can be obtained by pro'- viding va plurality of visiblereflecting surfaces Vand companion hidden colored reflecting surfaces of various respective colors so that in one lighting fixture rainbow color effects or other desired combinationA of `color effects can be secured as desired.V i l' `L In a highly desirable arrangement, soft direct illumination .is secured While the only visible light is thatprovided bythe reflecting surfaces in novel color ellects.'y A 'striking aspect of this arrange- 4Ament'isthat direct White light illumination thus providedlis un'ellected by anyY of the color from they reflecting colored .surfaces and the visible reflectedlight does not appreciably rellectfrom the surfaces to which it is reflected in creating the ornamental color effects. This makes such an arrangement :especially desirable for use in table lampsor the like. Where the visible reflecting surfaces are coated` With a fluorescent material which is selfluminouszinythe dark,` rather striking elects are obtainedrlzry reflecting colors thereonto when the source of illumination is turned on. `Arrfurtherl'variant usingxa fluorescent coated visible reflecting surface attains from reflecting colored light from -a colored illumination source onto' the; visible fluorescent coated surface. l f By coating the visiblezreflecting surface with a material whichV will absorb the color of a colored light source, a whitelor glowing reflection can be obtained from the` visible reflecting surface while, Where desired, colored direct illumination from the hidden light source may be secured@ f -In'the attainment of the highly decorative, even. spectacularly attractive, ornamental reflected color effects, itis important that the visible decorative reflecting-surfaces be' shielded from the dire'ct sour'ceof illumination since that apparently operates to Wipe out, or at least to' a large extent, negative.. the reflected illumination of such visible reflecting surfaces and thus substantially, if not altogether, destroying the ornamental value of the visible reflecting surfaces.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the invention is applied to a table lamp comprising an ornamental shadeassembly I5 disposed about an illumination source such as a fluorescent electrical tube I'I, and supported upon a suitable base I8.

The lamp shade assembly I5 comprises a plurality of generally bel1" jor cup-shaped reflector units I9, which may be made from any suitable material such as thin sheet metal, plastic or the like. Each of the reflector units I9 has a base wall formed with an axial aperture 2| of appropriate diameter to receive the fluorescent tube II freely in coaxial relation.` The over-all diameter of the base 20 is substantially greater than the diameter of the fluorescent tube I'I so that the side wall of the reflector I9 is spacedasubstantial radial distance from the fluorescent tube.

By having the side walls of the reflector units I9 flared -and the base portions 29 ofthe reflectors in stacked assembly spaced apart less than the sidewall width, the reflectors being `disposed in coaxial generally nested relation, the only light that can' escape from within the stackl will be obliquely generally parallel with' the flare of the reflectors and entirely out of the line of normal vision. I In 'otlie`r'"words,f theY generally overlappingV relation of the several companion reflectors shields the illumination source from the direct line of vision and connesany direct illumination to `relatively narrow flaring limits from the narrow annular slots provided between the stacked', spaced reflectors. This is indicated by the arrow y22 Vin Figure 6. Thus,` where the reflectors I9 'are` arranged inverted, as shown, a soft direct illumination from the light source I'I prevails in a limitedfarea surrounding the lamp, the rings of light from the slots between each'of the companion' reflectors diffusing' into a common area of illumination. Similar results are obtained where the reflectors are directed upwardly, as -in a ceiling light. It will also be readily apl parent that this sort of reflector arrangement is readily adaptable 'for wall brackets, corner brackets, and lthe like.

Ornamental color `effects are attained on the exposed visible portions of the reflectors I9 by reflecting light from the interior of the respective reflectors onto the visible exterior of' the companion internested reflectors. yTo this end, the inner surface of Vthereilectors may be coated with any suitable material such as enamel or the like having the particular color lvdesired 'such as red, blue-yellow or any combination or variant thereoil-"Hence, light from the light source I1 impinging the interior of any one of the reflectors I9, as indicated by the directional arrows 23 in Figure 6, will reflect the color of the interior surface against the exterior surface ofthe com- 'panion internest'ed reflector I9 vexposed thereto, as indicated by the directional arrows 24.

Since the reflected, colored light is ofV less intensity than the direct white light from the illumination source I'I, means are Yprovided for shielding the visible exterior surfaces of the reflectors I9'from the direct light while exposing such surfaces to the reflected colored light. Thereby the colored light is permitted full visual effect value and will not be, so to speak, wiped out by the more intense direct light from the illumination source. Herein, such means comprisesa' shoulder formation 25 at the juncture of the side wall portion of each of the reflectors `'the illuminationafforded by the tubeI'I. j Therefore, the reflected colored light from the interior of the companion partially surrounding reflector I9 is fully visible on the exposed surface of the reflector against which' it impinges. The visual effect where the exposed surfaces are of a naturally light or white color is one of a colored glow of funusual warmth and attractiveness. As will be readily appreciated many dierent or multicolored effects can be obtained by having different colors on the inner surfaces of different ones of the reflectors I9; This affords many possibilities for different'artistic arrangements.

By preference the visible surfaces of the reflectors I9 are contouredto allord even'more pleasing effect. In the-form shown in FigureV 6, the visible surface is of generally ogee curvature in cross-section to provide afgenerally concave annular section or Zone, identied by the letter A', merging with a generally convex'annular section or zone B, running into a substantially axially extending terminal section C. VThrough this arrangement the zone A receives a heavy concentrationl of the reflected colored light and thus produces a relatively deep shade band of the reflected colored light which gradually thins out to a noticeably lighter shadein the Zone provided by the convex section Bv Where the concentration vof reflected colored light is substantially less but is nevertheless high-lighted by the reflected coloredlight. Since the terminal section C turns substantially away from the range of the reflected colored light, the reflected `col-- ored light rays impinging thereon rapidly thin out to substantial darkness, depending, of course, upon the particular angle of the terminal section C. As a result, a strikingly attractive arrangement of bands of varying color tones is attained throughout the reflector assembly. z "Various visual effects can be obtained by appropriate variations in the visible reflecting surfaces of the respectivereflectors. For example, havingreference to Figures 8 and 9, a reflector structure I9', in all essential respects the same as the reflectors I9, may be provided having a uniform series of connecting flats 26 extending from the 'side wall free edge through the several contour zones or sections. Thereby colored light reflected onto the outer'visible surface Vof the reflector impinging uponthe flat areas 2S` interrupts the annular colored tone bands with relatively solid-shade areasj of the color affording a spectacular contrast. This particular arrangement in a lamp shadeV of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2, gives a substantially oriental, pagoda-like effect when the lamp is illuminated.` Where the visible surfaces of the reflectors are covered with a luminous coating, such as a coating containing a, radium or radioactive substance, the lamp shade is visible in the dark, and when the light is turned onreilected colored light affords similar color tone effects as here"- inabove described, with the difference, of course, thatfa more luminous appearance is obtained andthe terminal zone C will not appear as dark as where such surface area is merely'painted or enameled white. `On the other hand, where the illumination source I1 produces a colored light for the purposeof affording a colored light in the area of direct illumination therefrom, and the exposed, visible surfaces of the reflectors are coated with a`m-aterial or substance which will absorb the color predominating inthe light reflected there-A onto,a striking light or white appearance will be afforded for the visible portions of thelam'p shade.

l Since the coating of the inside of the reflectors differently than the outside entails Vseveral handlings of each reflector in the finishing thereof, it may -be preferred to make the reflectors of a, composite construction, such as Ashown in Figure 7. Therein a reflector unit 21 is made as an assembly of complementary closely nested outer and inner sections or shells 28 and 29, re-

" spectively. In this way, the outer shell 28 can be coated with an appropriate outer coating 30 bythe most inexpensive or'desirable manufacturing expedient to attain the particular effect desired, such as by a surface treatment or by dipping the same in paint or enamel, or the like. The inner shell 29 can be similarly treated to provide it with an inner colored coating 3|. 'I'hereby each of the shells requires but a single `coating treatment and when the shells are assembled a single composite reflector results in which the outer surface is of one color and the inner surface is of another color. The shells 28 and 29 may be formed from quite thin stampings which in the composite structure affords the strength desired in the completed unit.

`Although it is toV be understood that the reilectors, or rather assemblies of reflectors, are susceptible of many different lighting fixture arrangements, suchA as wall fixtures, corner xtures, overhead fixtures, and the like, an important utility thereof will be'in table lamps, such as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the particular constructionshown, the base I8 is provided with a tubular axial post or standard 32 to the upper end of which is secured in any suitable fashion, means such as a supporting plate 33 at vdiametrically opposite sides of which are secured respective vertical guide and loc-ating rods 34. These rods 34 serve as retaining guides for the shade assembly I5 which is preferably secured together into a self-contained unit by means such as respective tubes 35 extending through appropriate aligned apertures 31 in the base portions of the reectors, the tubes being surrounded by spacer sleeves 38 and having the opposite ends thereof turned over as indicated at 39 and 40 at the top and bottom thereof, respectively. rIlhereby the entire series of reflectors I9 is secured into a self-contained shade assembly which is adapted to be removably slid into position on the supporting base by registering the tubes 31 with the rods 34.

Thereupon the shade unit I5 is adapted to be held against sliding off ofthe rods 34, should the lamp be tipped over or the like, by securing the same as by means of thumb nuts 4I, threaded onto the upper ends of the rods 34 where they project above the shade unit.

By reason of the registering axial apertures 2l in the reflectors I9, and which preferably are dimensioned-to receive the fluorescent tube I1.

` with ample clearance to remain out of contact therewith, thetube is adapted to be mounted in the-assembly or replaced as required, there being appropriate electrical contact means provided for the tube. prise a xed base contact assembly 42 supported within the base standard 32 and having appropriate electrical leads 43 secured thereto and, if desired, extending from the base I8, as shown, for connection to a source of electricity. An appropriate electrical switch is connected in the electrical circuitr and adapted to be ope-rated, `as by means of a' push button 44' located conveniently on the base I8. The base contact unit 42 is preferably of a character to receive contact points at the associated lower end of the fluo-1 rescent tube I 1 slidably as is customary for ready replacement of the tube.

At the upper end of the shade unit I5, an appropriate separable electrical contact device 45 is provided which, cooperating with the lower contact device 42 completes an electrical circuit for the, fluorescent tube I1, and serves to maintain thetube I1 in centered relation in the assembly.

' Having reference particularly to Figures 4 and 5, the contact device 45 comprises a spaced pair of coaXially disposed disks 41 and 48 made from any suitable dielectric material held in spaced relation by spacer sleeves 49 disposed at diametrically opposite sides and held in assembly withy the disks'41 and 48 by means such as grommets 54/ Thereby assembly apertures are 'provided through the sleeve portions of the grommets 55 for assembly'ofl the contact assembly device-45 upon the retaining and guide: rods 34.

The spacer sleeves 49 are formed from a dielectric material and serve as retainers for respective identical yieldable contact elements 5IV which are preferably in the form of electrically conductive metal leaf springs formed to loop about the respective spacer sleeves 49. One end of each of the contact springs 5I, identified at 52, is disposed nearthe center of the assembly and has a laterally projecting'integral tab 53 which is received in an appropriate aperture 54 in the disk 41 for limited swinging movement of the associated contact arm 52. Through this arrangement the contact arm 52 is adapted to swing under normal resilient tension into partial overlying relation to a contact-terminal-re-` ceiving aperture 55 in the lower disk 48 :receptive of one of the upper contact `terminals of the fluorescent tube I1 and identified at 51. Through this arrangement, the contact arm 52 works under resilient tension over into partial overlying relation to the terminal aperture 55 to the eX- tent permitted by the limit aperture 54 within which the limit tab 53 is inserted. After the iiuorescent tube I1 has 'been inserted down through the shade unit I5 with the lower con- Vtact terminals thereof assembled in electrical contact withrthe contact device 42, the contact device 45 is placed thereover by pushing the same down with the upper contact terminals 51 projecting through the clearance apertures 55 until the device 45 is fully seated and the contact terminals have made thorough electrical sliding contact with the resilient Contact arms 52.

The remaining arms of the'contact springs 5I, and identified at 58, are formed to make resilient tensioned contact with suitable electrical contact points 59 projecting up through suitable clearanceapertures 6B adjacent to respective diametrically opposite marginal points of the lower disk 48 for completing the electrical energizing circuit, for the fluorescent tube I'I.` Laterally projecting limit tabs 6I of the respective con- Herein such contact 'means com-` l apertures 69.

I The electrical contact terminals 59 form a part of contact bars or rods 63 (Figure 3) encased in tubular insulations 64 and enclosed in respective tubes 65 of rigid material assembled with the shade unit I by extending through appropriate apertures 61 formed in the base portions 26 of the reflectors I9. At their lower ends, the contact bars or rods 63 carry respective lower terminals 68 (Figure 2) which make separable electrical contact with the contact device 42.

It will be apparent that the upper contact device 45 may be held in the assembly by means of the thumb nuts 'AI in the fully assembled relationship of the unit.

A protective and ornamental shieldor 'nood 69 may be provided for the top'of the lamp and is adapted'to be removably'supported in concentric Vrelation by means such as a bridging bracket secured in place by the thumb nuts 4I on top of the electrical connector device 45.

.Any suitable means such as a screw knob `II may be utilized to secure the hood 69 to the supporting-bracket 70. k l Y Since it may be desirable to protect the shade unit I5 from dust or dirt, and especially against handlingv by curiousfpersons, and further to protect the exposed reiiecting surfaces against darnage, atransparent casing 'I2 may be provided. This casing 'I2 may be a transparent plastic or glass tube supported at its lower end upon the base I8 and held in concentric assembled relation by an angular marginal flange 73 on the hood 69. It has been found that in order to avoid interference wit-h the ornamental effect ofthe reiiecting exposed surfaces of the reflectors I9, the transparent protective casing 'I2 must be spaced a sucient distance therefrom in order to avoid the light reflected from the opposing inner surface of the casing from tending to blank out the color eiects on the visible reflecting surfaces of the reectors.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected Without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

' I claim asmy invention: j

In combination in a lamp structure vfor ornamental illumination effects, a base, a plurality of spaced supporting and guide rods extending upwardly from said base, a vertical series of inverted cup-shaped flaring sided reectors having inner and outer reecting surfaces, said reflectors having aligned central apertures for vre. ceiving a uorescent lamp therethrough andY also having aligned-apertures throughwhich Vsaid rods pass, a series of spacer sleeves encircling said rods andl disposed in spacing relation between "said reflectors and maintaining the reflectors with the respective lower margins thereof adjacent tobut in laterally spaced relation to the tops of the immediately subjacent reflector in each instance, an electrical connector for,v Said lamp supported by the base and engageable by the terminals of thelower end of a fluorescent lamp extending through the central apertures of the refiectors to effect an electrical connection with such termi# nals, an electrical connector for said lamp mounted above the uppermost of said reflectors on the upper ends of said rods; and electrical connections extending from the connector on the base upwardly through the Yupper portionsof saidrre# ectors and into electrical connection with said upper connector.

MELVIN C. THORSTENSEN.

, `Referemzes cited `inthe fue of this patentv UNITED STATES PATENTS y 308,625 Great Britain Mar. 22,1929 

